Borrowing and loans

At MRO Accounts we can advise businesses in the Hemel Hempstead area on borrowing and loans. Here are some pointers...

At some time or other most businesses have to turn to external sources of finance, whether it is to invest in new equipment or machinery, to purchase property, to upgrade technology, or to maintain cash flow while a new product line kicks in.

The cost of external financing can be considerable and keeping it down is a key element in maximising your profitability. Here are three ways in which you can do this:

1. Plan ahead

Plan your financing requirements well in advance - if possible as much as a year before the funds will be needed.

This will give you time to prepare a robust application, shop around for the best source, and negotiate the most favourable terms. Indeed, the mere fact that you are planning your funding so far in advance will earn you brownie points with most sources.

If you leave your funding to the last minute, not only will you limit your negotiating power, you might also give the impression that your expansion plans are not very well thought-out.

Of course business owners need to be agile and respond to opportunities swiftly, but this does not alter the basic fact that quick money is almost invariably expensive money.

2. Make the loaner bid for your business

Approach a number of sources with a well-prepared funding requirement and ask them to submit a proposal. These days, even banks are used to having to bid for your business.

Ask banks for an overall proposal that covers every aspect of your business. But don't just look at the costs - consider also factors such as the quality of the working relationship, depth of knowledge of your industry, etc.

Use your track record to leverage a better deal on charges or the amount of collateral required. Remember, the main concern for a lending source is the degree of risk involved, and a good track record will help mitigate this.

3. Ask for more than you need

Many business owners are overly modest in their funding applications fearing that if they ask for too much it will reduce their chances of success. But it is much worse to underestimate your requirements.

Returning a few months later to ask for a top up not only sets alarm bells ringing about the reliability of your business plan, it is also a lot more expensive to process two applications rather than one.

If you are in the Hemel Hempstead area and would like advice on business borrowing and loans, contact MRO Accounts.

What our clients say:

“Working with Melody is an absolute pleasure. She handled my accounts with complete unflappable professionalism and navigated her way thought the HMRC hoops. In my first year of business I was employed, unemployed and self-employed, all within 12 months - not a simple situation! And she does it all with a smile :)”

Thank you Mel, you let me get on with my job confident that my accounts are in safe hands

Dee Fagg, 3D-VA

“I have known Mel for 6 months and in that time she has managed to totally organise my accounts and make me company be more efficient, what used to take me a long time, takes her a very short time, she makes it seem easy and is able to make me understand what I should be doing and the easiest way of doing it! My accounting life is now so easy not a time to be dreaded!! Thank you Mel!”

Claire Lee, Venue Queen Ltd

“MRO Accounts have been very helpful in the early stages of getting my business started, with clear advice and guidance that has really helped me sort my finances out. MRO Accounts have always been very prompt and speedy in dealing with any of my queries, which is very important to me and gives me every confidence that I am dealing with professionals. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend their services.”